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Fastest ute in the world for the US next year, Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli passes away and more.

30 January 2003The Drive Team

GTHO rumours persist

Rumours persist that Ford Australia is developing a flagship Falcon GTHO to compete with the image-building HSV GTS. While Ford's Falcon GT (pictured, above) puts out a hefty 290kW of power, the HO version, in line with the race heritage of one of Australia's most revered automotive nameplates, could give closer to 360kW, bringing it into line with hot-shot European family expresses. It's not as if there aren't any engine choices, with the F150 Lightning concept -- based on the F150 ute -- boasting a supercharged version of the 5.4-litre V8 already used in the Falcon.

Ford says the Lightning will be the fastest ute in the world when it goes on sale in the US next year.

Fiat loses chairman Agnelli

Italian motoring-industry legend and honorary Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli died last Friday, aged 81, after a long battle with cancer. Agnelli's death sparked some intense stockmarket speculation, with Fiat's share price initially rising 5 per cent as punters considered the Italian car manufacturer's future. One option is a possible sale to US motoring giant General Motors -- which already owns 20 per cent of the company -- but efforts are being made to keep Fiat in Italian hands.

Incidentally, Australia is due to receive a selection of Fiat passenger cars later this year. They will include the performance-oriented Punto Abarth and Stilo Abarth models.

Phantom's identity at stake

There are to be two Australian dealerships for the new $1 million Rolls-Royce Phantom, which was unveiled a few weeks ago. Built by BMW, Rolls is keen to ensure that the public considers the Phantom to be a British car rather than a German one. The standalone dealership is likely to have private and luxurious quarters when it opens next year. The company promises that "every Rolls-Royce customer will experience new levels of customer support". The network will be set up by Australia's largest luxury car retailer, Trivett Classic.

Lamborghini gets the chop

It was a predictable move but Lamborghini's decision to build a convertible version of the wedge-like Murcielago supercar attracted its fair share of attention at the Detroit motor show. The sleek supercar featured revised seats that blend with the arrow-like styling of the roof-less version, which also features boldly styled aerodynamic pods behind the cabin.

Stunt team returns to fold

Australia's legendary Precision Driving Team has returned to its spiritual home, Holden, after a three-year stint with Korean manufacturer Hyundai.

Now to be known as the Holden Stormriders, the team will perform at 23 shows around Australia this year using Holden's new VY Commodore ute. Drivers will display their skills (and bravery) in a 15-minute show, which will include two-wheel driving, high-speed crossovers, formation driving and ramp-to-ramp jumping.

The Precision Driving Team has made more than 8000 appearances and performed in front of crowds totalling 45 million since it was formed in the late 1960s.

The team has no hands-on practice routine but chooses its stunt drivers carefully to ensure minimal damage. While there have never been serious collisions, there are regular bingles.

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The size of your tyre is located on the sidewall of your tyre.It will be similar to the sample below.